Origins: Child Ballads: US Versions Part 7

Subject: RE: Origins: Child Ballads: US Versions Part 7
From: Amos
Date: 15 May 14 - 10:45 PM

There is a much moe colloquial version of the tale of the single soldier battling seven men to win his maiden's hand from an overbearing father. It was recorded by Burl Ives under the title The Bold Soldier.

But I suppose this is known already and am mentioning it just in case.

Subject: RE: Origins: Child Ballads: US Versions Part 7
From: Richie
Date: 16 May 14 - 08:18 PM

Hi Amos,

I have the Ives version title Bold Soldier, dated c. 1940 here:http://www.bluegrassmessengers.com/bold-soldier--blind-street-singer-il-c1940-ives.aspx

He claimed to have learned it from a blind street musician. I categorize the ballad as an appendix to Child 7, Earl Brand. I have about 70 US versions on my site of "The Bold Soldier" and related ballads.

R-

Subject: RE: Origins: Child Ballads: US Versions Part 7
From: Richie
Date: 01 Nov 14 - 01:37 PM

Hi,

Just an update, just finished completing 135 US and Canadian versions of Lord Bateman with some detailed notes: http://www.bluegrassmessengers.com/us--canada-versions-53-young-beichan.aspx

If anyone has an additional version let me know.

The name of a city/region Sentapee has been found in three versions. Anyone have an idea about that?

Oh, he sailed east and he sailed west
Until he came to Sentapee
And he was taken and cast in irons
Until his life was quite weary.

I've finished putting all the text and notes for US/Canada version up to Child 53 now,

Richie

Subject: RE: Origins: Child Ballads: US Versions Part 7
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 01 Nov 14 - 01:58 PM

Well done, Richie! Keep battling on with this important work.

Subject: RE: Origins: Child Ballads: US Versions Part 7
From: Richie
Date: 01 Nov 14 - 02:35 PM

Steve,

Since you're around- I consider you an expert on broadsides. What is the earliest English Broadside. Child L is the broadside text- he lists Pitts (Additions and Corrections) and later Catnach. I found one printed by Johnson about 1815.

What is the earliest broadside?

TY

R-

Subject: RE: Origins: Child Ballads: US Versions Part 7
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 01 Nov 14 - 06:50 PM

Are we talking 53?

If so the earliest I have is Robertson, Glasgow, dated 1805, although Randal of Stirling's copy may predate this. I feel certain there must have been earlier printings though.

Your side Nathaniel Coverley of Boston printed a version not much later.

The Young Baker variant was printed by Butler of Worcester who spanned the turn of the century.

Subject: RE: Origins: Child Ballads: US Versions Part 7
From: Richie
Date: 01 Nov 14 - 09:56 PM

Hi,

Steve--Do you have a copy of "Young Baker" or Randal or Robertson? I'd appreciate it if you could email me.

BTW Barry prints the Harris Broadside (Boston- Rhode Island) dated c. 1790. I have the text on my site.

Do any of the English/Scottish broadsides have India (instead of Turkey) or "Susannah fair" (instead of Sophia)?

The ones I've seen at Bodelian are all Child L.

TY

R-

Subject: RE: Origins: Child Ballads: US Versions Part 7
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 02 Nov 14 - 11:44 AM

Will do!